Barack Obama’s move on Tuesday to distance himself from his controversial pastor could prove to be the opportunity he needs to reenergize his campaign.

Rev. Jeremiah Wright paints a vivid picture of all that many Americans fear — radicalism. Wright’s picture of radicalism is full of brush strokes that merge to paint a very disturbing image of unadulterated hate.

By his own words, Wright has admitted that his is anti-white, anti-American, and proven to support anything that would further promote an agenda of class envy and social warfare among Black America.

The more Americans hear from Wright, the more obvious it is that he embraces a spirit of disdain toward the American experience.

Although many commentators have described Wright’s words to an audience of journalists on Monday as the deathblow to the Obama campaign, this may prove to be the very opportunity Obama needs to finally seal the deal with American voters.

Let me explain.

When Obama started his campaign for the presidency, he was the first black American to run on a platform of true ideas and issues that transcended the boundaries of race. This played well among voters. He wrapped up victory after victory in the days that led to Super Tuesday, but has struggled since because many voters now see him as a candidate of color instead of a candidate of conviction.

However, the more Rev. Wright portrays himself as the standard of radicalism and the extreme of leftism in the country, the easier it is for Obama to portray himself as moderate, leaning to the right of Wright and thus shaking the label of being the most liberal candidate in American politics today.

Simply stated, he needs only to come across to voters as the opposite of Wright to win the Democratic nomination, and theoretically the presidency.

Truly, this is a masterful stroke by the Obama campaign.

Obama must paint himself as a candidate that voters feel comfortable with. As of late, this has not be the case because his liberal tendencies have been let out of the bag. The result of which has led many Democrats to question the legitimacy of Obama as the Democrat that can lead the party to victory. But, if he can capitalize on this opportunity to refine his tarnishing image, the nomination is his.

Will America interpret this turn of events for what it is — a wonderfully orchestrated snow job? Only time will tell.

A popular television character, Nash Bridges, used to say the same Chinese word used for danger also meant opportunity.

Obama supporters are counting on Wright’s dangerous interview Monday to become the opportunity Obama needs. They are hoping that the potential this opportunity offers will ultimately seal Obama as the clear Democratic nominee in Denver.

Larry Brooks is a staff writer for the Walker County Messenger. He can be reached by email at lbrooks@walkermessenger.com.